By Gabriel Ameh
The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his comments on President Bola Tinubu’s policies and campaign strategy ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The group said Atiku had no mandate to speak authoritatively on behalf of Nigerians regarding the administration’s performance, describing his criticism of Tinubu’s campaign schedule as an unnecessary fixation on the President.
The reaction followed comments by Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), questioning Tinubu’s decision to limit his campaign rallies to 12 states to allow more time for governance.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Emeka Nwankpa, and Secretary, Dapo Okubanjo, TMSG argued that the President’s decision to balance governance with electioneering was being unfairly criticised by opposition figures.
According to the group, Tinubu has remained accountable to Nigerians since assuming office and has continued to communicate his administration’s policies and achievements.
TMSG also questioned Atiku’s criticism of the President, citing his previous unsuccessful presidential election bids as a reason he should not claim to speak for the electorate.
The group maintained that the opposition would have criticised Tinubu regardless of his campaign schedule, arguing that a nationwide campaign could have been portrayed as an abandonment of governance.
TMSG Lists Tinubu Administration’s Achievements
Defending the President’s record, TMSG said the administration’s economic reforms had helped stabilise the economy and placed the country on a path towards growth.
The group also pointed to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), claiming that more than 1.5 million beneficiaries had received support through the programme.
It argued that students and their families could use their votes in 2027 to express their views on the education loan scheme and other policies introduced by the Tinubu administration.
TMSG further cited the reported payment of ₦21 billion in severance benefits to former Nigeria Airways workers, describing the payment as a long-awaited intervention for workers who had waited more than two decades for their entitlements.
The group also highlighted tax relief measures for low-income earners and small businesses with annual turnover of up to ₦100 million, alongside free Caesarean section procedures and dialysis services available at selected hospitals.
According to TMSG, these programmes could influence how beneficiaries and their families assess the administration when they vote in the 2027 presidential election.
TMSG Challenges Atiku’s Fuel Subsidy Proposal
The group also challenged Atiku’s position on fuel subsidy, accusing the former Vice President and his team of failing to provide sufficient details of their proposed production subsidy initiative.
TMSG argued that the opposition should explain how its proposed policy would work and demonstrate how it would improve the economy rather than focus primarily on criticising Tinubu’s campaign plans.
It further questioned whether Atiku’s proposed approach would deliver sustainable economic benefits, insisting that Nigerians deserved clear policy alternatives ahead of the next election.
The group maintained that voters would assess the competing candidates based on their policies, records and proposed solutions to the country’s economic challenges.
The 2027 presidential election is expected to feature renewed debate over economic reforms, fuel subsidy, governance and the performance of the current administration.
However, the claims and political assessments made by TMSG represent the position of a group supporting the President and should be distinguished from independently verified assessments of the administration’s performance.
